A teacher by profession, but is now in his 38th year as a football writer. Has written for "Soccer Action" (Melbourne), "Australian Soccer Weekly" (Sydney) and "World Soccer" (London), as well as for several Tasmanian newspapers. Currently contributing to "Goal!Weekly" in Melbourne and the Australian magazine "Soccer International". Played for Croatia-Glenorchy, Caledonians, Metro, Rapid and University in Tasmania, as well as in the United States of America. Coached University, Metro and Croatia-Glenorchy.

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April

Olympia new Victory League leaders, but the chase is on this weekend

Photo: Former Melbourne Victory striker Danny Allsopp will turn out for Launceston City against Tilford Zebras this weekend [PlessPix]

Launceston City will have former A-League striker Danny Allsopp on view when they host Tilford Zebras in their Victory League clash at Mitsubishi Park on Saturday at 5pm.

Allsopp had intended playing for City earlier this month, but a back injury caused him to postpone the guest appearance.

Photo: Olympia's Ben Phillips (left) takes on Knights' Paul Willcock in today's Anzac Cup match. Phillips scored in Olympia's 2-0 win, which took them to the top of the Victory League standings [PlessPix]

Allsopp played for City last season in a one-off appearance against Northern Rangers.

City go into this game following a 3-1 away loss to Olympia Warriors last Saturday night.

“We left Warrior Park disappointed, particularly after such a strong performance in the first 60 minutes of the match,” said Launceston City Coach Kurt Reynolds.

“We created ample scoring chances but failed to close out the game. Credit to Olympia who put away what they created.

“We look forward to the clash with Tilford Zebras and the ‘marquee’ appearance by Danny Allsopp.

“Having watched Zebras last Friday I believe that we can extract a win at home.

“Additionally, they currently have the best ‘Goals Against’ in the competition, having only conceded three goals in four rounds.

“We have not achieved our objectives in terms of points within the first four rounds.

“However, we have achieved many positives relating to our playing style, playing system and overall player group.

“I believe strongly that the progress made thus far will translate into winning results as the season progresses.

“The key for our side is to continue to progress our playing system and playing style.

“We have a growing belief in what we can achieve as a squad.

“Danny Allsopp will make a one-off appearance for us, Nick Abougelis will make his second appearance in goal, whilst we should be in a position to field a starting 11 similar to recent weeks.”

Tilford Zebras are currently third on the standings and come into this match following a 4-0 win over previous leaders Northern Rangers last weekend.

“Last week against Northern Rangers was a very important result for us against quality opposition,” said Tilford Zebras coach, Jed Donoghue.

“We had to play our best football to get something out of the game.

“We respect Launceston City and appreciate that it will be a very tough game for us up north as they are playing good football and have Danny Allsopp coming into a team that has already pushed Olympia and South Hobart for 90 minutes.

“We have probably played four of the strongest teams in the league in the first four rounds so we have had to battle and scrap for every goal and clean sheet.

“Those four teams still have to play each other and that will have an impact on the standings at the end of seven rounds.

“However, we must continue to improve and try to play our best football in order to impose our qualities on the opposition in the next three games, so they will be very tough and important games.

“The keys for our side areMr Discipline, Ms Composure and All-round Team Spirit.

Launceston City is hopeful the football community will support what is a major event on the local sporting calendar and help them top their impressive 2013 crowd for Allsopp’s appearance of well over 700.

“It is not everyday a former A-League star is playing in your neighbourhood,” Launceston City Coach, Kurt Reynolds, said.

“We hope to have a strong and vocal crowd in at Mitsubishi Park to see Danny [Allsopp) strut his stuff.”

Photo:Olympia Warriors are the new leaders in the Victory League after their Anzac Day win over Glenorchy Knights [PlessPix]

Second-placed South Hobart entertain Devonport City at South Hobart Oval at 2pm on Saturday.

South striker Brayden Mann will come up against his former club in Devonport and will be keen to do well.

South beat Kingborough Lions United 4-1 last weekend, while Devonport City went down to Northern Rangers.

“The Kingborough game at the Den was a tough encounter,” said South Hobart coach, Ken Morton.

“After taking an early lead, we allowed Kingborough back into the game.

“The second half saw us pick up the pace and intensity and we went on to create a 4-1 winning performance, three good points.

“The round five clash brings us up against Devonport Strikers, who have two exciting new visa players and ex-South Hobart player Bobby Eaves in their squad.

“The game promises to be evenly matched but at South Hobart we are looking to turn our home ground advantage to our benefit.

“Looking at the Devonport Squad, obviously Cory Vickers and Callum Moore look like good acquisitions.

“Dallas Baldock in midfield gives them a physical presence, but it is the wide players Denehey and Holden who are the dangers, being lightning quick with an eye for goal, and they are a constant threat.

“Bobby Eaves has assumed the attacking midfield role vacated by Joel Stone and is a quality player who can score goals.

“Teamwork is, and as always has been, the key to our success. We like to play from a solid defensive foundation, which gives us the confidence to attack in numbers.

Photo: Caleb Ludlow is over his illness and his return will increase South Hobart's chances against Devonport [PlessPix]

“Caleb Ludlow is likely to return to the squad following a virus. The starting 11 is likely to be that which started against Kingborough, and this will leave Ludlow, Ferns and Hamlett on the bench.”

Devonport Coach Nick Owen will be back in charge of the Coastal side after being absent recently.

“By all reports, Saturday went to plan, and judging by the highlights we could have had a few more,” said Owen.

“Monday was disappointing for us. Rangers played well and we were rubbish.

“It appeared that the two-day break was nowhere near enough rest for us as a number of our players looked sore and slow.

“I'm hoping that performance was a one-off.

“We have a daunting task this week. I am assuming that Hugh Ludford will not be available, which may make them vulnerable in defence.

“If our strikers continue their league form, then South could have their hands full. I'm sure our defence will be keen to face off against Brayden Mann, but it will be important to focus on all their attacking threats.

“Our squad will be unchanged from Saturday's game. Cory Vickers is probably only a week away but won't be available this week.”

On Sunday, Northern Rangers host Kingborough Lions United at the NTCA Ground.

“We were all very disappointed with the showing on Good Friday,” said Rangers coach, Tim Lunnon.

“To the boys’ credit, we bounced straight back on the Monday in the cup, but that was not for points. It is a must that we get back into the points this week.

“Whilst we have not seen much of Kingborough, they can obviously score goals, so we need to be on our game there. They seem to be playing pretty good football and have some talent in their squad, so it is up to our boys to lift again.

“I personally had an aim to get points every game up to this point. Any team that is there at the pointy end of the season has accumulated points, something that Rangers did not do last year, and it is my aim to rectify that. It is early days, but we need points.

“We play our best football when everybody plays. We cannot afford passengers and this week is no different.

“We need everyone in our squad this week to turn up to play together.

”Everyone has a job and I expect them to do it.”

“It is unfortunate at present, but a few of our great young guys are getting injured. First, it was Yitay Towns, and now Dylan Headland is out with a suspected break in his foot.

“It is a chance for others to step up, though, but these young guys are quality and have a great future in the game.

“Everyone else is pretty settled at present.”

Kingborough Lions coach Stephen Pitchford was unhappy that his side let a golden chance slip last week against the champions.

“Last week, against South Hobart, we let slip an opportunity for three points when we failed to take the chances we created before half-time,” Pitchford said.

“Second-half lapses in concentration left us without any points, although we were still creating scoring opportunities into the 90th-minute.

“We face a huge test against Northern Rangers in Launceston on Sunday.

“Rangers bounced back from their loss to Zebras with a resounding win against Devonport in the Cup.

“They have pace and composure, from defence through midfield and into attack, and if allowed space to play can be very efficient with their possession.

“Our side played out a hard fought game on Monday that saw us prevail after 120 + minutes against a robust University side.

“This, coming on top of the clash against South Hobart 48 hours earlier, will test the fitness and stamina of our squad.

“The water recovery session following our Cup game and the lighter than usual training session on Tuesday has freshened up the squad for the northern assault on Sunday.

“The first four matches of the Victory League have seen us score 12 goals as we focus on playing attacking football, but in doing so we have lacked the necessary concentration over the 90 minutes and this has resulted in conceding 17 goals.

“Four points from the first four matches is enough to keep us within striking distance of the top four but we must pick up points in the last three matches that complete the first round if we are to remain in touch.”

The Davis brothers return to the Lions line-up and new keeper, 15-year-old Roan Gillam, will be added to the squad to take over keeping duties from outfield player Jack Turner.

“Will and Jo Davis return to the squad this week, along with newcomer Roan Gillam,” said Pitchford.

“Roan has impressed at training this week and he may relieve Jack Turner of the gloveman’s role on Sunday.

“Our many avenues to goal through Cowen, Kenyi and Jin up front, and Verdouw, Cuthbertson and Young pushing forward, will test Rangers’ defence and the agility of their keeper.

“We are confident of a strong showing at the NTCA and look forward to securing all three points.”

Photo: Glenorchy Knights are rock bottom with five losses in five outings [PlessPix]